Stockton Town were held to a point by Bamber Bridge after a late comeback from the visitors.
Words by Elle-Mai Keightley
Photo by Harry Cook
Stockton Town 2-2 Bamber Bridge | 27th September 2025
Adam Nicholson, Tom Coulthard and Josh Scott all missed out through injury, but Owen Gallacher returned to the bench after six weeks.
Stockton came out strong from the first whistle, pressing high and showing great intent.
Within five minutes, Glen Butterworth made an early impact, lofting an incredible long-range strike that dipped just under the crossbar to give the Anchors a deserved lead.
Moments later, Josh Baggs delivered a dangerous cross towards Amar Purewal, but it was just too high for the forward to connect cleanly.
Stockton were forced into an early change as Glen Butterworth, after his goal, unfortunately had to leave the pitch due to injury. He was replaced by Cameron Painter.
Stephen Thompson came as close as can be with a moment of wonder – a sensational strike from the halfway line that had the ‘keeper beaten, but agonisingly bounced back off the post and into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Half-time: Stockton Town 1-0 Bamber Bridge
The Anchors came into the second half full of energy and confidence.
Early on, Kevin Hayes was shown a yellow card following a competitive tackle, but he quickly made amends. Just minutes later, Hayes burst down the left with a brilliant run, delivering a powerful low cross that ricocheted off the post and found Michael Sweet, who calmly tapped in Stockton’s second goal.
Hayes continued to threaten, forcing the Bamber Bridge keeper into a sharp save with a well-struck right-footed effort.
Josh Baggs was next to strike the woodwork with a sharp shot from a tight angle.
Bamber Bridge then pulled a goal back, making it 2-1 through Kofi Moore, and Brig thought they had equalised shortly after – only for the goal to be ruled out by the linesman.
After plenty of pushing, the visitors found a late equaliser, bringing the score to 2-2 in the final few minutes as Nathan Okome slotted into the corner.
Stockton had a brilliant chance to snatch a winner, but Josh Baggs was again denied by the woodwork – as his header bounced off the crossbar and Jamie Bramwell’s rebound was sliced wide, and the Anchors were forced to settle for a point.
Full-time: Stockton Town 2-2 Bamber Bridge
FA Trophy action awaits next weekend for the Anchors, when NPL West leaders Lower Breck visit Teesside.
